The Paul Robeson Theatre is housed in the African-American Cultural Center which is Buffalo's first Black Cultural Institution.  It was founded in 1968, for the Harlem Renaissance singer, actor and scholar Paul Busti Robeson.  The Paul Robeson Theatre is the oldest African-American professional theatre in Western New York.

The Paul Robeson Theatre is in its thirtieth season and from the beginning the theatre's mission has been dedicated to nurturing and exposing the artistic talent of African-American playwrights, producers, directors, actors and stage technicians.  The Paul Robeson Theatre utilizes area artist and on commission, artist to direct major productions.

Within the theatre there exist other theatre components that serve as a training arena for aspiring actors and actresses by providing them with the necessary basic acting and technical skills.  These components are Adult/Children Drama Workshops and the Technical Theatre Workshop.  During the mounting of a production these students have an opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired throughout the year with hands on experience.

The Paul Robeson Theatre has produced over 165 productions.  Since its inception artists of all caliber's have shaped the development of the theatre and have provided one on one training to the artistic community.  The Paul Robeson Theatre has received the following awards: Art Voice Arties Awards "For using the medium of theatre to promote positive social change, especially through their work with young people"; a special presentation for "Hands Across The City"(in conjunction with Buffalo Ensemble Theatre) ; Outstanding Actress in a Musical, "Sophisticated Ladies" (1993); Outstanding Production of a Drama, "Flyin West", (1994); Outstanding Actress in a Drama, "Flyin West" (1994); Outstanding Choreography "Ain't Misbehavin" (1994), and Best Ensemble of a Production "Jar The Floor" (1996).

The Paul Robeson Theatre has worked with such directors/playwrights/producers as: Woodie King, Jr.; Herman LeVern Jones; P.J. Gibson;Ron Stacker Thompson; Margaret Ford -Taylor; Richard Gant; Jeffrey Anderson Gunther; Karen White; Imani; Richardo Brown; J.e. Franklin;Saundra Sharp; Reggie Kelly; George Freeman; Elizabeth Van Dyke; Phylicia Allen Rashad; Ron Milner; Mike Malone; Kenneth Daughtery; Elizabeth Swados; Robert Earl Jones; Theresa Merrieth; Tina Sattin; Cynthia Belgrave; Robert Folks; Fred Tyson to name a few. Buffalo directors/playwrghts/producers: Edward G. Smith; Lavern Clay; Lorna C. Hill; Tim Kennedy; Mary Craig; Joyce Carolyn; Helen Stone; Fortunato Pezzimenti; Ron O.J. Parson; Emanuel Fried; Karima Amin; Johnathan Wilson; Kerry Sanders; Paulette D. Harris;  Dr. Josephine Mayfield; Alicia M. Banner, Willie Judson and June L.S. Duell. 

We have presented collaborative productions with such theatre's as Ujima Theatre , Lancaster Opera House, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble & Upstage New York.